My First Year At University

DISCLAIMER:Although I am one of the least soppy people you will ever meet, I have no promises for this post…

I honestly can’t believe I am sat here writing this post having completed my first year at university; it’s absolutely crazy!! Thinking back to how hectic life was this time last year, with A levels and UCAS to worry about, I can’t help but love my younger self for making the best decision possible for me. It’s so strange to think how close I was to opting to study Law or Psychology at university, rather than studying what I really wanted to: Theatre. I definitely let peoples’ opinions get into my head about how Theatre is not an ‘academic’ subject…blah blah blAHHHHHHH (I would love for those people to attend some of my lectures as their opinion would most definitely change) but at the end of the day, I knew it was what I wanted to do.

I was then faced with the daunting decision of where to go to study. I can’t lie and say that league tables and reputations of universities did not play a part in my choices…they did. However, the most important factor for me was feeling at home wherever I was moving to. When I originally applied, I didn’t want to be too far away from home as, I’ve said before, I’m a little homebody and tend to get homesick when I’m away from my family and home comforts. Saying that, I ended up applying to Surrey, York, UEA and Royal Holloway – none of which are close to where I live at all (typical). Surrey ended up being my top choice and luckily I got in!

I have had such an amazing first year and that can only be put down to the people I have met. I honestly did not think it was possible to meet so many like-minded people in such a small area. The friends I have made so far are the most incredible people and so similar to me it’s scary! I now understand what people mean when they say that you meet your life-long friends at university.

A huge part of my first year has been joining Musical Theatre Society which is full of the most welcoming and talented people. Being involved in Legally Blonde was one of the highlights of my year, not only due to the performing aspect but also down to the huge sense of community that came with it. As cheesy as this sounds, MTSoc are like one enormous family; it doesn’t matter who you are, you will be welcomed in with open arms.

Aside from meeting the best people ever, this past year I have done an insane amount of growing up (not literally, unfortunately). Living on my own was a huuuuuuge step for me, especially as Surrey is so far away from my home and family. I’ve had to cook for myself, clean (though this was very rare lol) and look after myself in terms of general life. Whilst doing this, I also had to stay on top of my work (which I did struggle with at times) as there is nobody telling you what to do and when to do it. I may actually do a separate post on the jump from A-Levels to university so let me know if you’re interested! Personally, I feel I have matured and become a lot more independent in the best way possible.

All in all, I have had the best year. Although there have been times when I’ve felt super homesick, I’ve made the craziest and most caring friends who have always cheered me up. We’ve made the best memories and eaten so many Nando’s that I wouldn’t be surprised if I got a Black Card sometime soon (Nando’s, pls help a gal out). I also want to shout out Matthew who, after only a few months of knowing me, showed up at my door with all of my favourite foods when I was too ill to get out of bed around Christmas time. He is the cutest. Ever. Be sure to check out his blog (I shall link below)!!